Neo-paramilitary groups extend influence along Venezuelan border

Colombian paramilitary groups have extended their influence along the Venezuelan border, engaging in drug trafficking and forging links with local criminal gangs, reported El Espectador Monday.

Groups such as Los Urabeņos and the Black Eagles, all previously part of the AUC paramilitary organization, have encroached into Venezuela, creating a "bi-national conflict," according to an official in the north east Venezuelan state of Tachira.

Director of Tachira State Police Jesus Berro described the situation as "a real ongoing slaughter," with 20 people killed in recent weeks.

"Terror is the method by which these groups try to silence people, threatening their lives if they do no cooperate," he said, before calling on the governments of Colombia and Venezuela to "establish arrangements to combat these activities."

5. 13 high level AUC paramilitary leaders were extradicted to the US in 2008

which effectively crushed the AUC. Unfortunately the remnants degenerated into criminal gangs which the OP refers to. The same thing happened to the FARC - they are also operating in Venezuela as Colombia puts pressure on them.

What is needed here is cooperation between Colombia and Venezuela - their mutually hostile attitudes towards each other have created this dangerous no mans zone on the border.